Regional workshop on cooperation in preparedness and response to marine spills

Though oil spills have decreased over the decades, the threat of a major oil spill still poses significant threats to the ecosystems and coastlines of the WIO. Together with the International Maritime Organization, and in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission, the SAPPHIRE project held a workshop for governments and focal points to enhance regional cooperation in preparing and responding to such spills from 3-5 March 2020 in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The workshop aimed at building on the progress made in regional cooperation in response to marine pollution incidents by bringing together focal points responsible for oil spill preparedness and response issues. The workshop promoted the establishment of a regional mutual assistance agreement for cooperation and response during pollution incidents and the development of a draft regional plan to implement this agreement.